Director: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud Screenplay: Ken Daurio, Cinco Paul Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews Time: 95min Age Restriction: 10VM

Genre:
Comedy/Animation

Summary Review:
Despicable Me is a riotous film that will go down in history as a classic in the archives of animated comedy.

Synopsis:
Gru (Steve Carrell) is a professional villain, although his deeds are more mean-spirited than cataclysmically evil.

He is also getting on in years and his status as a successful bad guy is being threatened by younger villains, with more techno-savvy. But Gru comes up with an outrageous plot that will ensure his place in history as the greatest villain of all time.

Despicable Me had me in stitches from start to finish. I was laughing so hard that even the kids in the cinema started giving me weird looks at my snorting.

Besides the brilliant humour and sharp dialogue, that will keep both adults and children entertained, Despicable Me also has a heart. This is slowly revealed as we discover Gru’s desperate attempts to win his mother’s approval, while three little girls barge into his life and fill it with unwelcome chaos.

Despicable Me is the first film from Illumination Entertainment, filled with a new generation humour for the new generation of film lovers.

Director: Mike Mitchell Screenplay: William Steig, Josh Klausner, Darren Lemke Cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas Time: 92min Age Restriction: PGV

Genre:
Comedy/Animation

Summary Review:
Shrek Forever After is a funny conclusion to an excellent series of films, with a new tone and the message to appreciate what you’ve got.

Synopsis:
Shrek and Fiona have a simple, happy life, with good friends, adorable kids and a comfortable routine.

Everyone loves Shrek and he should be content, but he can’t help looking back wistfully on the days when he used to be a “real” ogre – when every day was an adventure and he inspired terror in people.

So Shrek signs a contract with the conniving Rumpelstiltskin, who promises to give Shrek just one more day as a fearsome ogre. But Shrek fails to read the fine print and ends up in a world where his best friend doesn’t recognise him, his true love is a vengeful warrior princess and it’s up to him to save the day.

New writers and a new director give Shrek Forever After a more sardonic tone than the other films in this series. In contrast to the exuberant fantasy of the previous films, Forever After has a more adult cynicism, which may be fitting to the original audience who’ve grown up since the first Shrek movie 10 years ago.

Nevertheless, the jokes are still hilarious and, having watched Shrek Forever After in a theatre full of young children, I can say with confidence that the kids will love it.

The strength of the Shrek franchise has always been that it can incorporate such a diverse range of fairy tales to create a holistic parallel of modern society, and Shrek Forever After stays true to that formula.

Although it may be a little different to the other movies, if you’re a Shrek fan you cannot miss Forever After.

Director: Lee Unkrich Screenplay: Michael Arndt Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty Time: 103min Age Restriction: All

Genre:
3D Animation

Summary Review:
Toy Story 3 is a fun and triumphant ending to a well-loved children’s film series, making good use of the new 3D technology.

Synopsis:
The first Toy Story came out when I was in primary school and, although I went to watch it at the cinema, I never much liked it. The characters, especially Woody the Cowboy, just seemed too boring and neurotic – come to think of it, they seemed too adult.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m older now, or if Toy Story 3 is in fact a better film, but I definitely enjoyed it more than its predecessors.

Andy is all grown up and is leaving for college in a few days’ time. His toys are worried about their fate, as they haven’t been played with in years and more and more of Andy’s old belongings are being thrown out.

When they end up being donated to Sunnyside daycare, through an unfortunate mistake, the toys are quick to see the bright side and are overjoyed at the prospect of being played with once again. But they soon realise that things at Sunnyside are not quite as sunny as they seem.

With Woody’s ever-dorky leadership, the toys hatch an escape plan to get them back to Andy before he leaves home.

Toy Story 3 is a real treat for the kids who have grown to know these characters through the first two films. All the old favourites are back, with some brilliantly caricatured new characters adding to the fun – including a toy telephone that speaks in a distinctly South African accent!

The plot is well thought out, with every scene adding a new aspect to the storyline and the 3D effects bringing new life to the familiar characters. With some special humour for the adults too, Toy Story 3 is the perfect ending to a profitable children’s movie franchise.